The Fourth Of July, Massachusetts - A Protest Poem by Richard St. Clair

Shouts of huzzahs at the fireworks tonight,
Brilliant flares to awestrike mind and soul;
Most think "O what fun, let the good times roll, "
As flashes and explosions rape the night.
"The Fourth" is thought to celebrate our freedom,
Yet freedom now is more an elusive thing:
The changing times a threat to liberty bring
As fireworks titillate Boston to Needham.
Cambridge Town is thought the seat of liberals,
With rights protected and extolled for all,
Encouraging the youngsters one and all
To fight for freedom from high peaks to littorals.
So I've had it with those named conservatives,
As places shrink where freedom truly lives.